October 26, 2012
Ngapuhi Rūnanga sticking point in Tuhoronuku status
Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson has set a tight timeframe for negotiating a settlement of Ngapuhi historical claims but factions in the north still seem far apart.
The minister held a hui this week with representatives from Tuhoronuku, the rōpū set up by Te Rūnanga ō Ngāpuhi to seek the mandate, and Te Kotahitanga, which represents opposing hapū.
Mr Finlayson indicated he wanted a deed of mandate ready by Waitangi day, and he would adopt some suggestions made by facilitator Tukoroirangi Morgan to make Tuhoronuku more independent and inclusive.
Peter Tipene from Ngāti Hine says Te Kotahitanga likes the Morgan report but there are still fish hooks.
“The group that moves forward to negotiate a Ngapuhi settlement must be an independent authority. That sounds great because it moves it away from Te Rūnanga ā iwi ō Ngāpuhi but in the next breath the minister is saying Te Rūnanga ā iwi ō Ngāpuhi will have dedicated seats on that authority. Our hackles go up immediately and we made it clear to the minister we will not agree to Te Rūnanga ā iwi ō Ngāpuhi having anything to do with an independent body,” he says.
Mr Tipene says Te Kotahitanga agreed to work with officials on the mandate proposal.
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